Agriculture sector: Pakistan seeks Germany’s partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought Germany’s partnership in modernizing its agriculture sector and enhancing livestock development as part of efforts to boost productivity and strengthen food security.

This issue was discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel here on Thursday.

The two sides decided to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock, research, technology transfer, and food security.

During the meeting, both countries agreed to examine avenues for collaboration in agricultural research, mechanization, climate-smart farming practices, livestock genetics, water-efficient technologies, food safety standards, and value-added agricultural products.

The minister invited German companies and institutions to participate in Pakistan’s dairy modernization initiatives, agricultural mechanization programmes, food processing industry, and the establishment of modern slaughterhouses.

Highlighting the agriculture sector’s importance, Hussain said agriculture contributes nearly 25 percent to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP), but low crop yields continued to pose a significant challenge.

He noted that the government was focusing on agricultural research, the promotion of certified seeds, mechanization, and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties to improve productivity and ensure food security.

Referring to the livestock sector, which accounts for almost 60 percent of agricultural output, the minister proposed cooperation in livestock genetics, breed improvement, advanced reproductive technologies, animal feed development, and the production of vaccines against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

He informed the delegation that Pakistan was introducing its first Biotechnology Policy, which would create new opportunities for research, innovation, and foreign investment in the agriculture sector

German Ambassador Ina Lepel appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its agriculture sector and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to expanding cooperation in agriculture, climate resilience, livestock development, and research.

The Chairman of the PARC and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, stressed the importance of joint research, capacity building, and collaboration in livestock breeding technologies.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026